Why do chloride ions have a negative charge?

Rationale

Chloride ions have a negative charge because they gained an electron.

When a chlorine atom gains an additional electron, it achieves a complete outer shell, resulting in a net negative charge. This process transforms the neutral atom into a negatively charged ion, known as a chloride ion.

A (It lost a proton.) YOUR ANSWER

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The loss of a proton would decrease the atomic number and change the element itself, rather than affecting the charge of the atom as an ion. Therefore, losing a proton does not lead to a negative charge in the case of chloride ions.

B (It gained a proton.) YOUR ANSWER

Gaining a proton would increase the atomic number, transforming the chlorine atom into a different element, namely argon. This change would not result in a negative charge but rather a positively charged ion, contradicting the nature of chloride ions.

C (It gained an electron.) CORRECT

Chlorine atoms have seven electrons in their outer shell and require one more to achieve stability. By gaining an electron, the chlorine atom becomes a chloride ion with a negative charge, as the total number of electrons now exceeds the number of protons.

D (It lost an electron.) YOUR ANSWER

Losing an electron would result in a positively charged ion known as a cation. Since chloride ions are negatively charged, this option misrepresents the process that occurs when a chlorine atom becomes an ion.

Conclusion

Chloride ions develop a negative charge due to the acquisition of an extra electron, which facilitates the attainment of a stable electron configuration. The other choices incorrectly describe changes in protons or electrons that would not lead to the formation of a negatively charged ion. Understanding this electron gain is crucial for comprehending ionic bonding and the behavior of salts in chemistry.

Why do chloride ions have a negative charge?

Chloride ions have a negative charge because they gained an electron.

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